How I Increased My Mental Energy
While quitting coffee
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I had a major break through recently that I want to share with you. I have been struggling with staying mentally alert and focused through the work day. It was sometimes like being out of tune with the rest of the orchestra. It didn't matter how much caffeine I consumed or how well I slept. This was frustrating considering that I consider my diet and supplements intake and exercise routine to be good.
As an aside, I've been wanting to get off of caffeine for a while but was concerned that it would make matters worse.
I came across the book The Edge Effect by Eric Braverman. In short, the book discusses how proper brain nourishment can improve the quality of our lives by balancing the brains four important neurotransmitters: dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine and serotonin.
I took his free online test and discovered that I am low in GABA. Interestingly, I had discovered a couple of years ago that GABA helps me sleep and have been taking it ever since.
Braverman's information on dopamine peaked my interest. Symptoms of low dopamine matched my metal fatigue issue. So I started taking L-Tyrosine, a dopamine precursor.
I also started taking Korean ginseng recently as it provides me with more masculine, fire energy. The ginseng gives me a "get stuff done" energy. With it, I procrastinate far less. The dopamine, via L-Tyrosine, gives me the mental energy to be productive throughout the day. All this without tea, coffee or chocolate.
The change has been drastic. Every day is different. Some days I may not feel as energetic or productive as I'd like even while taking the supplements I mentioned. On those days I take it easy on myself. Fortunately for me, I have a reasonable work schedule where I don't need to rely on caffeine to make it through the day.
The main thing I've noticed about quitting coffee is that I no longer have a lot of nervous energy. Also, I was using caffeine to self medicate, to help me ignore uncomfortable feelings. More on that in a later post.
I don't know if this is the right course of action for you. I do, however, recommend reading Eric Braverman's book, The Edge Effect.